Shukr

Archived under Tazkiyyah .

Assalaamu 'alaikum

These are notes that I made during a class that used to be held at my local masjid last year. I hope you benefit from it, inshaa`Allaah.

Wassalaamu 'alaikum

~ Umm Junayd

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Shukr

Suhayb ibn Sinan ar-Rumi narrated that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) said: "Strange are the ways of a believer for there is good in every affair of his and this is not the case with anyone else except in the case of a believer for if he has an occasion to feel delight, he thanks Allaah, thus there is a good for him in it, and if he gets into trouble and shown resignation (and endures it patiently), there is a good for him in it." [Saheeh Muslim]

The whole deen is split into two: 50% of which is based upon shukr and 50% based upon sabr.

SHUKR - Definition

1. In the Arabic language it means praise, to express gratitude and appreciation.

2. Islaamically it refers to 'displaying the effects of divine bounties in the heart as eemaan upon the tongue as praise and glorification, and upon the limbs as worship and obiedience.'

"And Allaah has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers while you know nothing. And He gave you hearing, sight, and hearts that you might give thanks." [Soorah an-Nahl(16): 78]

Thankfulness is a goal in itself, whereas patience is needed in order to achieve (i.e. get to) something else.

'Aaisha narrated that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) used to offer prayer at night (for such a long time) that his feet used to crack. I said, "O Allaah's Apostle! Why do you do it since Allaah has forgiven you your faults of the past and those to follow?" He said, "Shouldn't I love to be a thankful slave (of Allaah)?" [Saheeh Bukhaaree]

Thankfulness is based upon:

1. Acknowledgement of Allaah's Bounties
2. Realising one's relationship with Allaah.
3. Thanking Him (shukr/ hamd):

"And proclaim the Grace of your Lord." [Soorah ad-Duhaa(93): 11]

We should refer to and learn the following aayah:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ أَنتُمُ الْفُقَرَاء إِلَى اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ هُوَ الْغَنِيُّ الْحَمِيدُ

"O mankind! it is you who stand in need of Allaah, but Allaah is Rich (Free of all wants and needs), Worthy of all praise." [Soorah al-Faatir(35): 15]

Obligations we Owe Allaah for His Bounties:

1. Humility -> This is an action of the heart which should manifest on the limbs.

2. Love of Allaah -> 'muhabbah'; also an action of the heart which should reflect in one's actions.

3. Remembrance -> 'dhikr'; one should remember where the bounty came from in order to steer away from arrogance and riyaa` - it also allows one to be thankful for the bounty; this is an action of the tongue.

4. Use it -> The bounty should be used in a way which is pleasing to Allaah (i.e. in acts of obedience); this is an action of the limbs.